International Student Retention: Language Integration Beyond the Classroom

Many institutions market international programs without addressing the crucial language barriers that extend beyond the classroom. When students encounter untranslated systems and social exclusion, your internationalization strategy fails despite good intentions. Addressing these gaps is essential for both student success and your institution's global standing.

I was thrilled when I received a substantial scholarship to pursue my Master's in Business Analytics at a university in Asia. The program seemed perfect - taught in English, promising strong connections with major tech companies, and featuring faculty educated at prestigious institutions. What could go wrong with such an exciting experience? 

What I never anticipated was the reality that awaited me. Despite the courses technically being in English, nearly all class discussions and team meetings defaulted to the local language. Extracurricular activities, most administrative communications, and even the university's IT platforms were only available in the local language with no English option.

While I'm not the only international student facing these challenges, and I've managed to secure an internship and acquire valuable skills, I still feel misled and disappointed. I blame myself partly for not researching more thoroughly, but the gap between what was advertised and the experience has been frustrating and isolating.

Critical Aspects Universities Must Address Beyond English Instruction

Eduardo is certainly not the only candidate living this experience. In fact, offering programs in English requires more than just having instructors deliver classes in English. Three critical aspects that must be addressed include:

1. Comprehensive language ecosystem: Universities must ensure that the entire student experience, from IT systems and learning platforms to administrative communications and student services, is accessible in the program's advertised language. This creates a consistent and navigable environment for international students.
2. Cultural and social integration framework: Institutions should establish clear protocols for classroom discussions, team projects, and social activities that maintain the program's instructional language and culture. This includes training faculty to moderate language-switching and creating structures that ensure international students can fully participate in all aspects of campus life.
3. Support systems for international students: Beyond language considerations, universities must provide dedicated resources for international students, including orientation programs that address potential cultural and language challenges, ongoing support services, and platforms that enable international students to give feedback on their experiences. This creates accountability and ensures continuous improvement of the international student experience.

Internationalization is a journey, and starting with launching English-taught programs seems like an easy first step. Noticeably, it's a start, and the highlighted areas are just some of the complexities that will arise. 

If you need support in developing a comprehensive internationalization strategy, consider our Internationalization Services or contact us to schedule an initial conversation.